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THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES

Linux – Free Music Software & Plug-ins

Find permanently free recording tools, instruments, effects and audio utilities for desktop, mobile and the browser. Each listing explains its purpose, compatibility and important free-edition restrictions, with links to the official source.

These are researched directory entries, not hands-on reviews. Optional purchases, account requirements and limited editions are identified on product pages. Format availability can differ by operating system.

204 listings

Giada

Giada Project

Giada is a compact music application centered on loops, samples and live triggering.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceMIDI ToolsSamplers
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Glitch 2

Illformed

Glitch 2 is a sequenced multi-effect for rhythmic transformations, stutters and rearranged audio.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDelaysDistortion & SaturationModulation EffectsSound Design
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GNU Solfege

GNU Solfege Project

GNU Solfege is an ear-training application for practicing intervals, chords, rhythms and related listening skills.

LinuxmacOSWindowsNotation & Scoring
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GoatTracker

Lasse Oorni / GoatTracker Contributors

GoatTracker is a tracker for composing music for the SID sound chip associated with the Commodore 64.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingSynthesizers
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Graillon Free

Auburn Sounds

Graillon Free provides vocal pitch processing in a reduced edition of the developer’s voice tool.

LinuxmacOSWindowsModulation EffectsSound Design
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GRNi Lite

FRCTL Audio

GRNi Lite is a permanently free granular instrument that turns one loaded sample into clouds of grains played from MIDI.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSamplersSound Design
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Guitarix

Guitarix Project

Guitarix is a virtual guitar amplifier and effects environment for Linux.

LinuxGuitar & BassLive Performance
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GVST Plug-ins

GVST

GVST provides a collection of free effects and utilities for mixing, signal control and related production tasks.

LinuxmacOSWindowsAudio RestorationCompressors & DynamicsEqualizersRecording Utilities
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Helio

Helio Workstation

Helio is a composition-oriented MIDI sequencer with an emphasis on musical structure and an uncluttered interface.

AndroidiOSiPadOSLinuxDAW & Multitrack RecordingMIDI Tools
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Helm

Matt Tytel

Helm is a polyphonic synthesizer with a visual modulation system, step sequencing and integrated effects.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSynthesizers
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hUGETracker

hUGETracker Contributors

hUGETracker is a tracker for composing music for Game Boy style sound hardware and compatible game projects.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingSynthesizers
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Hydrogen

Hydrogen Project

Hydrogen is a pattern-based drum machine for programming rhythms and assembling them into songs.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDrum InstrumentsMIDI Tools
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IEM Plug-in Suite

IEM / University of Music and Performing Arts Graz

The IEM Plug-in Suite supplies Ambisonic and spatial-audio tools for encoding, decoding and processing sound fields.

LinuxmacOSWindowsMetering & AnalysisSpatial & Surround Audio
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Impro-Visor

Impro-Visor Project

Impro-Visor focuses on jazz improvisation, lead sheets and harmonic practice.

LinuxmacOSWindowsMIDI ToolsNotation & Scoring
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INScore

GRAME

INScore is an environment for designing interactive musical scores and performance displays.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceSound Design
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JACK Audio Connection Kit

JACK Audio Connection Kit

JACK is an audio and MIDI connection system for routing among compatible applications and devices.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceRecording Utilities
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Jamulus

Jamulus Contributors

Jamulus connects musicians for real-time performance over an internet connection.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceRecording Utilities
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Kid3

Kid3 Contributors

Kid3 edits metadata across common audio-file formats and supports batch operations.

LinuxmacOSWindowsAudio EditingRecording Utilities
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Konfyt

Konfyt Contributors

Konfyt is a live keyboard workstation for organizing sound layers, patches and performance routing on Linux.

LinuxLive PerformanceMIDI ToolsSamplers
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Lens Free

Auburn Sounds

Lens Free provides multiband dynamics processing with an approach aimed at detailed spectral control.

LinuxmacOSWindowsCompressors & Dynamics
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LilyPond

LilyPond Project

LilyPond turns text-based music descriptions into engraved scores.

LinuxmacOSWindowsNotation & Scoring
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Linux Studio Plugins

LSP Project

Linux Studio Plugins is a broad open-source processing suite for Linux production.

LinuxCompressors & DynamicsEqualizersMetering & AnalysisRecording Utilities
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LMMS

LMMS Project

LMMS is a pattern-oriented music workstation built around instrument sequencing, sample playback and mixing.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingDrum InstrumentsSynthesizers
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LosslessCut

Mikael Finstad

LosslessCut performs suitable media cuts without reencoding the entire source.

LinuxmacOSWindowsAudio EditingRecording Utilities
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Availability, licensing and system requirements can change. Verification refers to official documentation and download availability, not installation or hands-on testing. Check the developer's current terms before installing.

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